‘Not surprised’: James Paterson defends ASIO boss over Gaza refugee position

Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson says he is “not surprised” ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess has moved to clarify his position on Gaza refugees entering Australia. “Those are the views I assumed Mike Burgess held,” Mr Paterson told Sky News Australia. “I’ve probably done 25 media interviews on this issue and not in a single one of them have I ever criticised Mike Burgess or ASIO because I didn’t think that he thought it was a good idea to bring Hamas supporters into our country. “My criticism and the Opposition’s criticism has always been focused on the government and frankly that criticism is even more acute today.”